Should I use a VPN to get cheaper prices?

Yes. Using a VPN to set your IP address to the country you are departing from often bypasses regional price discrimination.

Do I need to pay for checked bags?

Yes, budget carriers like JetSmart and Flybondi charge heavily for checked luggage. Factor in an extra $20-$40 per flight if you have more than a backpack.

Finding Cheap Flights Within South America

Use local budget airlines like JetSmart, Flybondi, and Sky Airline rather than major international carriers. Always book through the local version of the airline's website (set your location to the departure country) to avoid inflated 'tourist' pricing.

Use a region-specific search engine. Avoid global aggregators like Expedia. Instead, use Skyscanner or Google Flights, but make sure to select the specific country version (e.g., set your region to Argentina or Chile) to see domestic fares that local residents see.
Switch your currency and location settings. Before hitting 'search,' set the airline website’s currency to the local currency of the departure country. Often, the price displayed for a resident paying in Pesos is 20-30% lower than the price shown for a visitor paying in USD.
Look for secondary airports. Major hubs like São Paulo (GRU) or Buenos Aires (EZE) are expensive. Check flights into secondary airports like Congonhas (CGH) in São Paulo or Aeroparque (AEP) in Buenos Aires, which are often closer to the city center and cheaper.
Fly on mid-week days. South American business travel is concentrated on Mondays and Fridays. Flights on Tuesday and Wednesday are consistently 15-20% cheaper than weekend or peak-day travel.

Should I use a VPN to get cheaper prices?: Yes. Using a VPN to set your IP address to the country you are departing from often bypasses regional price discrimination.
Do I need to pay for checked bags?: Yes, budget carriers like JetSmart and Flybondi charge heavily for checked luggage. Factor in an extra $20-$40 per flight if you have more than a backpack.